About the Challenge

By applying nature's design principles, we can create solutions that help support a healthy planet.

The Biomimicry Global Design Challenge is an annual team competition that focuses on addressing critical sustainability issues with nature-inspired solutions. The Challenge is hosted by the Biomimicry Institute.

Our primary goals

Help motivated problem-solvers around the world learn how to look to nature for design and business inspiration

Create a pathway for more biomimetic products to come to market.

How it works

The challenge is open to teams of students and professionals anywhere in the world. Finalists selected by the expert jury are eligible to join the Biomimicry Launchpad program, where they will be provided assistance in bringing their solutions to the global marketplace.

Each year, participating teams are asked to design nature-inspired solutions for a specific theme or problem area. Learn more about the current theme by reading the Challenge Brief and browsing the resources. To help teams that are new to the practice of biomimicry, the Biomimicry Institute provides online resources, including the Biomimicry Toolbox and AskNature, as well as a directory of experts and mentors who are available as advisors (you can access this directory after registering for the Challenge and clicking on the Mentors in the Resources section).